This is the view of the world from the eyes of a Sugar Islander. It talks about Anime, Boxing, Manny Pacquiao, Team Pilipinas and Fiba Basketball. It also covers Naruto and Bleach comic books. However, serious Asian society issues and Racism against Asians, Asian achievers in Sports are also discussed. Advocacies are carried on and never forgotten.

Monday, June 30, 2008

In the future much like the late great Gabriel Flash Elorde, Manny Pacquiao will be in the history books and be taught in school. He will be akin to our national heroes such as Jose Rizal. Wow what an amazing accomplishment it will be.Some of Pacman's accomplishments:

-first Asian four weight world champion-first and so far the only Asian to headline in HBO Pay-Per-View-the best boxer in the world at the momentHowever, I still prefer to read Manny's exploits in the newspapers or the internet for if get to read it on some history book then time has passed and I'm probably old!

To those who consider Calzaghe as No.1 are of course believe in the ability of the slapper. Just recently he declined a challenge from Kelly Pavlik for the Welshman knows the American is going to destroy him!

Pacquiao in a masterful exercise of his boxing skills soundly destroyed David Diaz moments ago in Round 9 of the main event. In a show of dominance reminiscent of Manny's first fight with Barrera, Manny was just too much for the Chicagoan - Diaz could barely connect his shots. The Filipino was just too fast for the American. As the rounds went on, Diaz's face was a testament of the punishment he was receiving - two cuts and a huge lump. One power shot to another the commentators were wondering how soon would the referee stop the fight and if Manny's stamina could last the entire twelve rounds. But Vic Drakulich, the ref, had no intention of stopping the fight and the match went on and Manny's endurance also held on pounding Diaz with powerful shots and combos - both the left and right hand. Mercifully, on the ninth round Pacquiao found an opening and threw a left hitting Diaz on the chin. He fell and MANNY IS THE NEW WBC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!!! Pound for pound, I don't care. YAHOO!!!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Lethal combination will be tomorrow. I hope Manny wins. He always gives out his all. It is a shame some people still don't appreciate what he is doing for our country. Nah, nobody cares about them anyway. Go Manny!

I'm writing distracted - sorry about that. I saw the weigh-in pictures and Diaz seemed the bulkier of the fighters and Manny looked haggard. But Diaz's fighting style is suited to Manny as the AMERICAN is always pressing the fight, never backs down and like Morales has a big heart. The match will be a great one.

I searched Diaz's match with Morales in Youtube and I think Erik won the fight! Manny has to be wary of Diaz's elbows as the latter has a tendency to use it as shown in his title match against El Terrible.

Iwase Ken (Yamashita Tomohisa) looks pitiful. His childhood friend Yoshida Rei (Masami Nagasawara) is getting married not to him but to some other guy. For 14 years, Ken wasted his chance to confess his love to Rei. He regrets it. He regrets it so bad he wished he could go back in time and change it. His grief didn’t go unnoticed. Out of nowhere, a fairy that lives in the church appears to him and gives Ken the chance to change the past. Without hesitation, Iwase Ken takes the opportunity to rewrite his life and win back the girl of his dreams. This is the story of Proposal Daisakusen.

What can I say except to shower praises to the Japanese for producing another classic dorama? Like most doramas I’ve seen it is well-written, touching and funny at the same time. I’m actually hesitant to watch this at first for I don’t like redoing the past type of story line for I find it so unreal and sometimes painful (reminds one of his own regrets which he cannot change). But I got hooked courtesy of my sister again. It wasn’t painful and in fact the series is fun. It has the right blend of comedy and drama. The lead actor played by Yamapi carries the series. He is the right guy for the role – his actions and ad-libbing are hilarious. There are some cultural references that only the Japanese can relate to (like Kosuke Kitajima’s catchphrase - the guy is an Olympic gold medalist in the 2004 Athens Olympics and other fads that came about in Japan). Usually delivered in comic situations its impact is reduced to non-Japanese viewers. Even the explanations provided by fansubbers can’t make up for it though at least we understand what they are talking about. However, when Iwase Ken asked, “What should I do Yon-sama?” (referring to a Korean actor Bae Yoon Jon famous in Japan for his series Winter Sonata) I understood that one.

In Proposal Daisakusen, few tears are shed but the scenes that make the huge emotional impact are scenes that don’t have any crying. One can really be touched by it. When I was young, I was forced to watch Mara Clara and after watching the female lead gush out 1284 gallons of tears I was affected too – to turn the TV off but other members of the family including the maid would be affected too and would put me to sleep. Things like this make me want to go back in time too!

Note: Possible spoiler, please skip if you haven’t seen the drama yet (left-click and drag to view).

The lessons imparted are universal. Human character is very difficult to change or can “capricious gentleness” capture someone’s heart instantly. We can only change today to have a much better future. Those who say they’ll do it tomorrow are fooling themselves when there is something important to say – say it now. I know that very well but why am I not doing it? Regret is a painful thing.

No spoiler here.

All I can say to myself is "Carpe Diem!" for I want to live free and not be held hostage by regrets. Unlike Iwase Ken, there is no “Hallelujah…chance!” in the real world. The moment the day started it is our “Hallelujah…chance!” so make the most out of it.

Hallelujah...Chance

An anthropologist on TV once said ancient Filipinos have a different concept of time unlike the west (I’m not talking about being late) which is once time has passed it is over and one can’t go back to it anymore. Though he didn’t manage to elaborate or maybe I just can’t recall what he said clearly anymore (something about time – it revolves according to our ancestors) but I remember evidently when he said one thing’s for sure ancient Filipinos are optimists – there’s always a second chance to them.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Before the upcoming fight between Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz, we will look back at the history of the sport dubbed as the sweet science in the country. Here is an ESPN account of the origin of boxing in the Philippines.

Filipinos had their own sort of boxing, a bare-handed martial art known as Suntukan. The combatants held their hands high and kept their distance, occasionally charging forward to throw chopping punches, most of which would be fouls not tolerated in American rings. There are many theories regarding the origins of Suntukan (also known as Panantukan), but it's generally believed to have evolved from Kali, a Filipino knife fighting technique. As the Philippines fell under Spanish rule, Filipino martial arts were driven underground. Knives and rattan sticks gave way to bare-handed arts. Some historians have romanticized Suntukan as being the real root of modern boxing, but that's an over-simplification. "The Filipinos must have embraced Western boxing and then applied their knowledge of the knife to create a similar, yet distinctive art," said martial arts teacher and historian Krishna Godhania. One difference between the Filipino martial art and modern boxing is that practitioners of Suntukan didn't stand and trade head shots. Instead, they circled constantly, looking for openings. After all, one wouldn't stand and trade if you were holding knives. In Filipino martial arts, the spirit of the knife was still implied. Another important distinction is that Filipino martial arts were not just sports; they were techniques for survival.

Thanks again to Manny, foreign media organizations have been tracing the roots of boxing in the Philippines. There have been many articles such as this before but this one is more specific about the origin of the sport in our country. Write ups such as these dispel the unfounded notion that boxing is a recent development in the Philippines as some ignorant people claim. Nothing was heard from them anymore - thank goodness. Names such as Pancho Villa, Ceferino Garcia and Flash Elorde are being reintroduced to a new generation of boxing fans - Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike.

The article also shows that our ancestors have their own martial arts and quite familiar with boxing though in other form. Hurray to them!

Whether true or not, the people in the island believe some animals do tend to help human beings besides serving as food or pet. Unfortunately, some humans return the favor by eating them whether or not these animals are really delicacy citing poverty as the reason. Yes, it is a fair rationalization but DOLPHINS are not meant for eating. There are many fish in the sea (and dolphins are mammals anyway I wonder why some eat them) - literally.

I'm not surprised by the report ever since I was young I was told of a story of a fisherman who was saved from a shark by a fish locally known as "Palad". The creatures covered him and the shark missed the human.

Note: Palad is a wide-bodied fish. A school of it could actually hide something whether a human being or other things. The fisherman in the story also made a vow not to eat Palad again.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The days of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nihat Kahveci and David Villa may be numbered. Machines will soon beat human footballers and its only a question of when, not if, scientists said Monday from the sidelines of the European robot football tournament.

Teams from across the continent - as well as some from further afield - are competing in Zurich for a berth in the tournament in Linz, Austria, later this week.

"The aim is for a robot team to beat the (human) world champions in 2050," said Rolf Pfeifer, a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Zurich.

Others are more ambitious.

"I think that by 2015 or 2017 a robot team will beat the Austrian national squad," Peter Kopacek of Vienna's Technical University said. "It'll be 2025 before they beat the Brazilians."

In any case, machines have a long way to go before they master the tricks of professionals. In the two-legged category, the fastest robots take 35 seconds to complete a 2.4-meter (8-foot) sprint. Others take five minutes, fall over or get hopelessly lost on the field.

In the wheel-driven category, meanwhile, passing is unheard of and the game largely consists of pushing an orange golf ball into the opposing goal. Still, the sport has come a long way since the mid-1990s, Kopacek said.

"Spectators used to cheer if a robot crept across the field and chanced upon the ball," he said, adding that now there are shots on goal, counterattacks and even saves by the robot goalkeeper.

Human girlfriends are tender to hug, great to kiss, smells beautifully not having that newly painted smell like it just came out of a factory. Human girlfriends still rule! The robot manufacturers still have a lot to do frankly speaking. But I would like to have that robot girlfriend just for fun and to keep the human one on her toes hahaha.

Monday, June 23, 2008

For the past five years Rosendo Mejica II would often have fun with friends during most weekends jet skiing on the waters of Iloilo.

But last Saturday, Mejica and his buddies found themselves on their jet skis surfing not the sea but the flooded streets of Iloilo City and trying to pick up as many victims of the storm who were stranded on rooftops and trees.

"This is the first time that we tried this out because we wanted to help," Mejica told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Ten of them, all members of the Iloilo Watercraft Association, met around 11 a.m. on Saturday after they heard calls for owners of rubber boats and jet skis to help rescue residents trapped on rooftops who were trying to escape from rising waters.

The association's members are all professionals and businessman. Mejica is publisher of the community newspaper The News Today and owner of the Makinaugalingon Printing Press.

The group proceeded to the flooded areas in Jaro District around 2 p.m. with their jet skis in trailers attached to their vehicles.

Six of them were deployed near Barangay Tabuc Suba while the four others proceeded to the Ledesco subdivision area.

The group found themselves confronted by strong currents as they maneuvered through debris and vehicles stranded in the streets.

"We saw water all over with pockets of rooftops. Many of the victims were crying and pleading for us to come to them," said Mejica. For full story

You can help through institutions such as Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation. Food supplies in Iloilo are running low and acting Mayor Mabilog is pleading for help. Thank you very much. I'll use whatever means that I have to make this tragedy known - unprecedented in Iloilo history. Now is the time to work.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Three Lions or stay away from English fans for they'll beat you up I'm not kidding.

The world's greatest football team ENGLAND is missed by other Europeans. Nah, I'm only kidding.Just read the reactions below this article.

Basel - 1,637 miles travelled

And before you start, it's not my statement but that of just about every local, travelling fan and journalist I have spoken to over here.

A typical conversation might go something like this.

Me: "Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions about your team?"

Local/fan/journo: "Ok, where are you from?"

Me: "England."

Local/fan/journo: "Oh." Several seconds of silence follow. "I cannot believe England are not here. Such a disappointment"

A look of sympathy crossed with sorrow plus a dash of disbelief then follows, so I explain that England are not here because they were not good enough in qualifying, pure and simple.

The people are just being polite with the English journalist. I would. I wouldn't rub it in that is so English.

A sample reaction from the site:

On the other hand, the people you spoke to could just have thought (a) Blimey, he's an English fan, I'd better say something soothing in case he goes off, or more likely (b) they were simply being polite, and making conversation.

I don't think that the other Europeans waste a moment's thought thinking "Just imagine how much better the tournament would be if England / Scotland / Republuc of Ireland were here". Why should they? If they support one of the countries there, they just want them to do well, and want the rest of the experience to be as good in footballing terms as it can be.

For them (and too often for us too) there's more pleasure to be had from seeing a potential emerging team eg the Russians, the Spanish, or the current Dutch team, than in following the British teams, who, let's face it, have an inherent tendency to plod. If we make it to a competition, then fine, let the teams test themselves at that level. If they don't make it, as in this case, then whether they might have added (or subtracted) anything from the tournament is simply an irrelevance.

We should have a degree of humility and accept that this time, we were all not quite up to the required standard, enjoy what's on offer in this championships, and hope that we can add to the next one.

If the commentator is English much like in ESPNSTAR even an awesome effort from the opposition (say Croatia) will be automatically branded as luck or completely ignored. Their reason - it must be an English defensive mistake (partly right sometimes but more often it is a great effort from their adversary)! This arrogance only provokes hostility towards England NT.

Friday, June 20, 2008

If Germany loses or play badly in a single game of a football competition they immediately get written off. England plays one great match - they'll win the world cup. Welcome to the routine football thinking by some so-called pundits (my foot). They are so wrong again. They forgot the fact Germany improves as a tournament progresses. Don't underestimate a mentally tough team like Germany.

Germany defeated Portugal 3-2 in another classic match so unlike the Brazil-Argentina game yesterday. By the way notice Lukas Podolski's powerful strike - it would have been a great goal if it went in - man the Germans are strong kickers (I noticed it again).

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Romantic human-robot relationships are no longer the stuff of science fiction—researchers expect them to become reality within four decades. And they do not mean simply, mechanical sex.

“I am talking about loving relationships about 40 years from now,” David Levy, author of the book “Love + sex with robots,” said at an international conference held last week at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands.

“When there are robots that have also emotions, personality, consciousness. They can talk to you, they can make you laugh. They can say they love you just like a human would say ‘I love you’, and say it as though they mean it.”

Robots as sex toys should already be on the market within five years, predicted Levy, “a sort of an upgrade of the sex dolls on sale now.”

These would have electronic speech and sensors that make them utter “nice sounds” when a human caresses their “erogenous zones.”

But to build robots as real partners would take a bit longer, with conversation skills being the main obstacle for developers.

Scientists were working on artificial personality, emotion and consciousness, said Levy, and some robots already appear lifelike.

“But for loving relationships—that is something completely different. In loving relationships there are many more things that are important. And the most difficult of all is conversation.

“You want your robot to be able to talk to you about what is interesting to you. You want a partner who has some similar interest to you, who talks to you in a manner that pleases you, who has a similar sense of humor to you.”

The field of human-computer conversation is crucial to building robots with whom humans could fall in love, but is lagging behind other areas of development, said the author.

“I am sure it will happen. In 40 years ... perhaps sooner. You will find robots, conversation partners, that will talk to you and you will get as much pleasure from it as talking to another human. I am sure of it.”

Levy’s bombshell thesis, whose publication has had a ripple-effect way beyond the scientific community, gives rise to a number of complicated ethical and relationship questions.

British scholar Dylan Evans pointed out the paradox inherent to any relationship with a robot.

“What is absolutely crucial to the sentiment of love, is the belief that the love is neither unconditional nor eternal.

“Robots cannot choose you, they cannot reject you. That could become very boring, and one can imagine the human becoming cruel against his defenseless partner”, said Evans.

A robot could conceivably be programmed with a will of its own and the ability to reject his human partner, he said, “but that would be a very difficult robot to sell”.

It seems the theme of the Japanese series Zettai Kareshi is coming true at all. I admit in the physical aspect of a relationship the robots would be unequaled but emotionally I don't think so. Even humans are having problems with this. Love is a very complex emotion after all. Making someone fall in love is very difficult thing even for us humans unless your surname is De Marco or Rizal.

In the long run can a robot develop organic feeling not derived from its program? This is an idea advanced in the film Bicentennial Man (starring Robin Williams). I don't know time will tell (I hope not for there are many disillusioned women out there who are more likely to choose a robot with feelings than robotic men. Oh no not another competition! Hey, I'm passionate just to make things clear.).

I don't know what kind of store is H&M but please take note of this racist shop. It tolerates racism. The gall they even hired a Filipino lawyer to defend them. How about firing the abusive employee? Stand up for human rights H&M!

filipino american lawyer hired for h&m discrimination suit

This is an interesting twist in that H&M discrimination case that made headlines a few months back. In September, Frannie Richards filed a lawsuit against clothing store H&M for alleged discrimination. She was shopping at one of the Chicago stores an encountered an employee who subjected her to racial and sexual slurs, calling her a "mail-order bride" and making fun of her ability to understand English (she speaks perfect English): h&m: the new a&f? Here's the weird part. H&M has chosen Filipino American lawyer Joseph J. Centeno to represent their case: Fil-Am vs. Fil-Am in H&M dispute. Whaaaat? Link

How ironic most Filipinos when seeing white people I think are just two steps away from kneeling! They get special treatment and they act like jerks when they are here. They think they are cute. Time to remove the wool in your eyes people! Maybe if you get an idea on how we are treated you'll stop doing it.

Japanese dorama Nobuta wo Produceseriously please watch the video I chose the best fanvid available

Armadas of middle-aged Japanese women no longer chase Bae Yong-joon, the biggest star the Korean wave of the early millennium produced; instead, more and more Korean fans are now dying for a glimpse of their favorite Japanese stars. In Korea, some of the so-called J-drama maniacs watch Japanese soaps all night long, and the growing popularity of Japanese novels here already outstrips any enthusiasm for Korean writing. Obviously pleased with the reversal of fortunes, a Japanese movie magazine hailed the Japanese boom in Korea, saying, “While the Korean wave is on the wane, the Japanese wave is waxing.” Many critics agree that while Korean Wave is receding, Japanese culture has been slowly assimilated into the mainstream of Korean culture and has firmly taken root there. So what are the strengths differentiating the Japanese Wave? The Chosun Ilbo asked experts for their views.

The biggest strength of the Japanese Wave, then, is creativity. In Japan, popular comics or novels are often made into dramas and movies, creating a kind of a synergy effect. In Korea, hit dramas like “Winter Sonata” and “Daejanggeum” rarely venture into other media. Japan also boasts a rich variety of material for its dramas and movies. Stereotypical Cinderella stories dominate Korean dramas but are almost non-existent in Japan. Instead, bizarre yet brilliantly creative stories of ordinary individuals entertain Japanese viewers.

“Japanese dramas and movies don’t just appeal to the sentimental,” says Yun Ji-won of the LG Electronics’ Life Soft Research Institute. “People don’t get easily bored with Japanese dramas because they portray the life story of an individual in a serio-comical manner unlike Korean dramas that are more or less the same as each other.

Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele announced their retirement from international football today. The two great defenders called it quits after France crashed out of the Euros via a 2-0 defeat to Italy early this morning. No thanks to their coach Raymund Domenech. The two great players ended their career in humiliation because of their joke coach. Two years ago, a rumor has it that nobody in the French NT listens to Domenech. Instead, everyone turned to the great Zinedine Zidane for guidance and instruction. I gave no credence to that talk back then but now maybe it has some truth in it! A more respectable finish would have been nice - not a first round elimination.

Lilian Thuram's only international goals

I remember Thuram and his two massive goals against Croatia in France 98. It was one of the most dramatic matches I ever saw. Thuram made a mistake which led to a Suker goal (he was the reason the Croatian was on-side). Not known as a scorer, he was determined to make up and fate gave it to him. The Frenchman scored his team's two goals to win the game. Those were the only goals in his international career.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Just look at this goal from Germany's captain Michael Ballack. It so simple but amazing. He just kicked the ball hard and straight even the goalkeeper didn't get a hand on it.German footballers are such hard kickers - Philip Lahm sent a screamer against Costa Rica in World Cup 2006. I don't know but their technique is really superb. Talk about German precision.

Monday, June 16, 2008

I'm glad football can still have matches like this. The sport is being threatened by negative, purely defensive play like what Greece displayed four years ago. It is too cynical and pragmatic and I think bad for the sport even FIFA expressed apprehension about it during the last World Cup. It has been suggested that FIFA give a bonus point for a team scoring three goals or more like in rugby. In football, a win is three points and a draw one point. Surely, a bonus point is a huge help and would encourage more attacking play. FIFA should really consider the suggestion, for fans' sake.

2) If you have a best guy friend, he is in love with you. And secretly you are too.

3) You and your boyfriend will always playfully chase each other on an ice rink, at the beach, or in the leaves. And you'll laugh for no reason and your boyfriend will hit you "playfully" but the force of his push will have you flying across the room. But it's okay. Cuz you're still laughing like a crazy person.

4) Brothers/cousin/uncles-newphews will always love the same girl.

5) You're allowed to make uturns wherever you want in Korea. And there is never traffic on the side you want to u turn to.

6) There is a super quick payment device that allows you to pay a bill quickly enough for a guy to run immediately out of a restaurant after his angry girlfriend storms out.

7) Everyone has cancer.

8) If you're sick, all you need is an IV to make you feel lots better.

9) There is vomit and urine all over Seoul at nights.

10) Fighting at a pojangmacha with a random stranger is merely part of a normal night's event.

11) Soju must cost 10 cents. Everyone drinks it everyday all the time, especially the poor people.

12) If you're rich, you're a jerk.

13) If you're poor, you're an angel.

14) Women sleep and wake up with a full set of makeup on.

15) You're not studying hard enough unless you get a nosebleed.

16) If you have a nosebleed, you most definately have cancer. And you have no money to pay for the surgery that will save your life. And your liver is missing. We're not sure where it went, but it's making your cancer progress faster.

17) If you work in a sool jeep, you have massively curly hair and wear flashy colors from the early 90's.

18) You always order orange juice or coffee at a cafe. And you never drink it. EVER.

19) You will always call your boyfriend by his job title. Or simply sunbaenim. Never his name. Never. He doesn't have one.

20) If you TRULY love each other, you must die together in the end. Frozen outside instead of finding shelter like sane people. Just frozen....

21) You go to America you come back miraculously successful. You go to England you come back amazingly fashionable. You stay in Korea the only thing that changes is your hairstyle.

22) And if you come back with no apparent reason then it's because you have cancer.

23) Everyone always goes to the same hospital no matter where they are.

24) If you stand out in the rain for more than five minutes, you'll end up with a fever and vertigo and people will rush you to the hospital to get some magic IV. And instead of taking an ambulance or driving they'll race you on their back.

25) Even if you're poor and can't eat, you never wear the same clothes twice.

26) If you play a poor kid, you always have dirt on your face and your hair is always messy.

27) If you're saving someone from being hit from a car, you'll push them out of the way and wait for the car to hit you instead. Couldn't be more true, their like a deer in headlights

28) Everyone has a long lost sister/brother/twin. Usually one they didn't know about.

29) If you don't want to answer your phone, you can't just turn it off. The batteryneeds to be taken out.

30) All Korean men can drink hard, smoke long, sing well and play piano. Usually all at the same time. And at the same restaurant that has a piano that they let anyone use.

31) If you're in a relationship, you must at one point leave and have your lover tearfully come RIGHT before you board the plane (vice versa applies as well. You can be the chaser). 60% of the time you see each other, the other 40% you're roaming around in circles and pass each other about six times, but miraculously never see them.

36) Guys like to wear foundation, eyeliner and sometimes a smudge of lipliner.

37) You always get stuck in an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Even if there are six different elevators, you'll always be stuck in the same one with that bastard you hate (or just fought with).

38) Unless you're fabulously rich, your in-laws will always hate you.

39) So will your sister-in-law.

40) Your brother-in-law might be pining away for you.

41) There are only 2 ways to kiss. You either press your lips against theirs with your mouth completely shut, and just press away for a very long and uncomfortable time. OR you devour the other person and suck out their soul. In both instances, the world spins.

42) A guy will always get the right size ring, even if you're never held hands.

43) People stare off into space and ponder a lot. They'll just stop in the middle of the road and watch a leaf on a tree for a good three minutes, and just ponder.

44) You'll get pregnant the first time you have sex.

45) You'll get pregnant if he kisses you on the forehead.

46) Hell- you'll get pregnant if you hold hands.

47) If you overcome great obstacles to be together, one of you must die. Probably due to cancer.

48) One korean man can kick the butts of 6 gangstas. Especially when they all stand in a circle and attack the guy one by one. Then when each of them get their butts OWNED, they wise up and attack the guy at the same time. Then the guy will get pulverized and bleed out onto the dusty concrete floor of the empty warehouse they've found to fight in. There will be a fire in a trashcan somewhere. And the girl will have watched this the entire time, screaming in horror. Instead of calling 119, she'll just watch and cry. But it's okay. Cuz the next day the guy will be fine with a few random bandages and a few face scars. But never a black eye.

49) It ain't a real fight unless the gangstas fight dirty with a stick or switchblade.

50) If you study in the states (perferably Harvard), you are one of the top students and can speak perfect English (as assumed by the reactions of those around you). Why the rest of the world OUTSIDE of the TV can't understand a single word uttered out of your melodramatic mouth is beyond me.

Emphasis mineCredits: Unknown author - Great work though!

How true hehehe! I saw this on the net a long time ago but I forgot the link. Luckily, I found this piece posted again and I would like to share it with you - enjoy. It reminds me of the Asian drama clichés post I made days ago.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Gianluigi Buffon - Italy's goalkeeper - saved the day literally! The match between Italy and Romania was tied 1-1 and the Azzuri had just conceded a penalty. Romanian goal scorer Adrian Mutu took the penalty which against all odds was saved by Buffon. The Italian rescued his team from outright disaster and kept them alive in the tournament. On the other hand Mutu apologized to his countrymen for his "miss".

Saturday, June 14, 2008

The Boston Celtics teamwork both in offense and defense really impressed me. At least four Celtics would crowd out the lane whenever Kobe tried to attack it. Paul Pierce defended Bryant very well even blocking him once to lead off a fastbreak. Garnett also had several blocks from the low post (in the entire series) and still an intimidating presence in the shaded lane. In offense, all Boston players would look for the open man and pass the ball to him. It happened several times with Posey and House becoming recipient of those assists and nailing the shots down. Celtics passing is still crisp – sometimes their passing confuses the Lakers resulting in unchallenged shots in the process. One great thing about the Celtics is Allen, Garnett and Pierce could suddenly take over the game and finish off their opponents

I noticed Lakers have a weak post defense. In addition their guards like Sasha Vujacic couldn’t stop the likes of Ray Allen. Their inability to properly execute the triangle offense also cost them dear.

One would think it was Lakers’ day yesterday even commentator Van Gundy thought so. Despite being down Boston coach Doc Rivers motivated his crew and constantly kept their morale up saying “Never stop believing!” He cheered on his boys and gave them the impression that Game Four was still up for grabs even when they were 24 points down. His team believed him and worked hard to chop off the huge lead. Belief plus positive action resulted in one of the biggest comeback in NBA playoffs history. Today’s Celtics are no different from the Celtics of yore – still a tough team with a strong winning mentality. This is the view from the sugar island.

Finally, Ring Magazine elevated Manny Pacquiao as the No.1 Pound for Pound boxer in the world (best boxer in the world regardless of weight class). It happened for Floyd "Money" Mayweather the former No.1 retired maybe in order to negotiate more moolah for his future fights. The American had always received special treatment - he hadn't made a mandatory title defense in more than two years (after beating Baldomir of Argentina). WBC overlooked this travesty and Mayweather pretty much did what he wanted (fighting De La Hoya and in the WWE). Yes, Mayweather is technically superior but he didn't lose his No.1 spot even when he is not fighting for months while Manny fought the best there is and still ends up in second place (because Money "retired" the much awaited match against Miguel Cotto fizzled out at the moment).Maybe race has something to do with it. Even the slapper Calzaghe gets the No.2 in some people's list after his victory over Bernard Hopkins. Nah, after it happened I stopped giving credence to any P4P list. I would rather have Manny win world titles than being No.1 in the subjective P4P list. For all its worth, I would still like to congratulate Manny! The recognition is long overdue. After this no more pondering on any P4P list!

Ring Magazine, the recognized “Bible of boxing has just announced that it has elevated Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao to No.1 in its coveted pound-for-pound ratings.

Respected Editor-in-Chief Nigel Collins informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that the Ring had received written confirmation from Floyd Mayweather Jr that he had “relinquished the Ring welterweight championship.”

As a result Collins said they “updated the ratings including the pound-for-pound, to reflect his retirement. Manny is now No.1 pound-for-pound!”

Collins said that in other Pacquiao news, Top Rank requested that Manny be given “until after the David Diaz fight to decide if he wanted to relinquish the Ring 130 pound title” which he won in a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez last March 15.

Croatian victory over England last November wasn't a fluke as some shameless ESPNSTAR commentators made it out to be. Early this morning, Croatia defeated the powerful German squad 2-1 in Euro 2008. You know what I could still vividly remember Croatia's victory over Germany ten years ago in France 98. Davor Suker was still playing back then. History repeated itself once again but don't count the Germans out yet. The team thrives under pressure unlike the three lions.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo currently the world's best footballer - Portuguese playing in England. He led his team (Manchester United) to victory in the UEFA Champions League last month.

Sir David Richards has broken ranks by admitting the England team is being harmed by the number of foreign imports.

Premier League chairman Richards' comments completely contradict the view of Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, who insisted England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 had nothing to do with the recent influx of overseas stars.

Speaking at the Third Dubai International Sports Conference, held in the United Arab Emirates principality at the end of May, Richards said in an recording obtained by the Guardian: "Does the Premier League hurt the national side? I think the answer to that has got to be yes."

He added: "We've been a bit lazy in the Premier League over the years. We created a system of academies and every club spends about £3million a year developing young players. But it hasn't worked, because the availability for us to go out and buy the best stars is an easy thing.

Excuses. Excuses. All I know is I'm watching the English Premier League because of Ronaldo, Tevez, Park, and Drogba. These imports have made EPL a very competitive and exciting league. It showed recently the dominance of English team in European competition esp. in the UEFA Champions League and foreign players have contributed much to the league's success. They are not the enemies here but short-sighted club owners and the English FA (Football Association) for not being able to develop new talents. What about Italy and Spain? Their leagues are full of foreign players yet have a strong national team (with the Azzuri (Italy) as the defending world champions).

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Croatia eliminates England from Euro 2008. Listen closely to the commentators, objectivity is not their forte - this is not BBC Sport coverage smarty pants.

Since England didn't qualify in Euro 2008 football commentators and writers in that country are content in reminiscing the good old days (see itv sport euro page) and as one fan said on the BBC Sport webpage favoring teams with more English Premier League players - pathetic. However it is fine by me as it is their country but it is questionable when some people do that in Asia as if most of us care.

ESPN Sportscenter Asia is a misnomer it should be ESPN Sportscenter England - watch CCTV sports program. Now that's an Asian sports news program! What a useless sports channel Espnstar is...not enough coverage of North American sports action as if the entire Asia is English-sports crazy. It doesn't even cover other soccer tournaments like the South America World Cup Qualifier (it is way better than FA Classic or whatever). Worse, some self-appointed experts think Asia loves England NT and it is the best in the world (they couldn't contain their bias), I'm glad they got booted out of Euro so those jerks get doused with cold water and get back to reality. Useless, I think cable companies in our country should just cancel their subscription to that channel. Now the geniuses are profiling "soccer cities". I prefer to watch football games live much like in Fox Soccer Channel not endless blah blah.

They can't possibly tell me Asians are not interested in South American football. The network is limiting our choices! South America won nine World Cups and their players dominate Europe. Geesh.

Thank goodness Balls TV covers Copa Libertadores for ESPNSTAR is ANGLO-CENTRIC (covers British boxers only, search Manny in their website and you'll get nada. I think the network should be called ESPNSUCKAR. It would have been fine if the country is a sports superpower but it isn't.)

What is the use of a sports channel when you can't see the biggest football derby in the world: Brazil vs Argentina next week? The ESPNSTAR has no in-depth NBA Finals coverage. It doesn't cover sports that Asians excel like badminton (Star Sports used to do it). I didn't know that ASIA is actually a borough in England!

In fairness, the network is now giving Asian Football some coverage at least on the net. I think ESPNSTAR should be more Asian sports centered. It is lucky for it doesn't have competition Asian wide. I hate monopolies. The geniuses have also deprived Filipino football fans of Asian World Cup qualifying coverage (early rounds). It is only England's World Cup qualifiers that deserve attention. &^*%&%%$*^! I hope in the upcoming months the network will act like the worldwide leader in sports.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

A successful career woman Iwaya Sumire (Koyuki - The Last Samurai) is getting tremendously pressured by male colleagues and bosses alike for being tough and not being more womanlike. Female co-workers are wary and envious of her. Despite having a flourishing career, she feels something’s missing. She has become stone-cold and almost incapable of crying. One day going home from work, she finds a guy (Jun Matsumoto) lying unconscious and apparently beaten-up for he was bloodied and bruised all over (just outside her apartment). Failing to get help and a sudden outpour of rain forced her to take him into her home where she nursed the guy back to health. The following day, the young man is ok and she tells him to go home. The guy pleaded to stay for a while. Sumire said she only allow him to stay if he becomes her pet. Surprisingly, the young man agreed and she dubbed him Momo after her beloved dog when she was young. This is the story of the Japanese dorama called Kimi Wa Petto or You are My Pet.

What is there to like about this dorama? Just like in any other dorama it has a very unique story. Kimi wa Petto isn’t simple as it sounds fo the writer fully explains human to human interactions and complications such as love, the need for warmth, unconditional acceptance, ego and real self through one of the characters ( a shrink). So many weird and funny theories on human relationship but they sound rational that I couldn’t help but agree sometimes. There are so truths expounded and it encompasses cultures like what a successful career woman goes is the same here as in Japan (according to my sister and attested by personal observation). Despite the unbelievable premise of the story, the drama itself is realistic in portraying relationships (successful woman to insecure man, successful man and woman interaction etc). Kimi Wa Petto is funny, and intelligent - doesn't take itself too seriously. It has scenes to keep one glued and guess what's going to happen next.

Kimi Wa Petto is an excellent series – it was my sister who first watched the drama and I joined her. I’m glad I did for a pretty girl caught my eyes in this show. I find her more appealing than the female lead.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Rizal had a Japanese girlfriend Osei-san. However, the romance wasn’t meant to be. Heartbroken Rizal wrote the following about Osei-san:

Sayonara, sayonara! You will never come to know that I have thought of you again nor that your image lives in my memory; and nevertheless I always think of you. Your name lives in the sighs of my lips; your image accompanies and animates all my thoughts. When shall another divine afternoon like that in the temple of Megaro return? When will the sweet hours I spent with you return? When shall there be sweeter, more tranquil, more pleasant hours? You have the colors of the Camellia, its freshness, its elegance...Ah! The last descendant of a noble family, true to an unfortunate vengeance, you are beautiful like...everything is finished! Sayonara, sayonara!

Such despair, he really loved his kanojo very much and was terribly hurt about what happened. Osei-san must be one very special girl for our hero to lament like that.

I find these facts very interesting as it humanizes our hero. He is human too he loved and got hurt. Luckily for us, he wrote what he felt at that time. Rizal writes poetically even in times of agony.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Kiritani Shuji (Kamenashi Kazuya – Hatanaka-san in One Pound Gospel) is a popular guy in school and can get along with anybody at least that’s the façade he is putting up. He is actually a chameleon, an expert in putting different faces to different groups of people. There’s only one person he couldn’t stand - Kusano Akira (Yamashita Tomohisa – yup the victim of obsessive fangirling). Shuji is annoyed with Akira and doesn’t want anything to do with the latter. Everyday before going to school, Shuji touches a willow tree which gives him the strength to continue. One day, he finds out the tree is gone. Worse, he meets a weird girl, Kotani Nobuko (Maki Horikita, Hana Kimi). She tells him she would’ve hanged herself from the willow tree but it was gone. Stunned, Shuji runs away. The next day a new girl arrives in school – Nobuko – it surprised Shuji but denied he knows her to his friends. Being different, Kotani is picked on and is often lonely. Unable to bear the harassment to Kotani, Shuji teams up with Akira to make her popular in school and they give her the nickname Nobuta. The duo will try to produce a new Nobuta, thus the name. Unknown to them, a hidden enemy lurks seeking to destroy Kotani.

Nobuta Wo Produce is one of the greatest school dramas I’ve ever seen. It touches raw nerves as any student or student-once could relate to the situations our characters are in. This is not your typical American high school drama where some character is going to make a loser popular with simple make over. No, the Japanese are more realistic. The change substantial (not through looks or clothes) and gradual. The challenges our protagonists face are complex. In fact, the decisions they have to make aren’t to gauge their intellectual prowess but to measure what their hearts are made of – between the easy choice and the right one.

Nobuta Wo Produce answered the age-old question “What is friendship?” Other series also explored this question but this one provided an answer – and the answer required a sacrifice. All episodes of Nobuta Wo Produce are coherent but each one tackles a different issue which the characters resolve. I learned from the series that the word friend shouldn’t be taken so lightly. Am I a good friend? Am I being honest with myself? Should I show my real self to people? These are the queries put forward in the series. The series made me reflect on what I am as a friend and as a person.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

I'll be reviewing two Japanese doramas this week. In addition, my thoughts on the NBA Finals which will start tomorrow. My bad for the earlier screw up. I seem to run out of time. I'll make it up tomorrow, ok?

I often hear this question dished out by some people to Manny's fans so they could decipher his motivation in the boxing ring - both choices of course have valid points. My answer to this query however is - it doesn't matter.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

If I am given the chance to nominate someone as the national hero of the country at the moment it would be Manny Pacquiao (along with the OFW). His impact to our country recently has been amazing. When both the AFP and MILF (not the American pie acronym) declared a short truce in the duration of Manny fight against Marquez last March (which was I admit felt like forever if you are watching it on local TV), I was lost for words. He alone can stop two forces from fighting even for a short period of time! WOW! Nobody has done it! Not even the Malaysian peacekeepers (there were recorded skirmishes between the two camps even during peace negotiations).

I'd say HE MUST WIN ALL THE TIME for his victories boost the morale of our very weary nation. God bless him. And for people who wish his defeat because Manny supposedly has became boastful and to teach him a lesson ---wrong. As an American writer once said you don't expect humility from superstar athletes. Is MJ humble? We are lucky Manny still has his head on the ground. I think it is just envy that motivates some people to feel that way. Get over yourselves. Boxing is still a dangerous sport that COULD kill or MAIM him. I'm just happy Manny is representing our country the best way he can (even when he was bloodied against Morales in their first fight - he fought to win just to bring honor to our country full of ingrates). YES, he makes mistakes for he is human too don't ever forget that. June 28 is coming up and all I could say is GANBATTE MANNY!

Again let me reiterate that I am a Manny fan. This pic is for fun only. Check out the tags if you don't believe me. Pics courtesy of THE CREATIVE PEOPLE at Philboxing.com - all accolades and castigation should be sent to them.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Yesterday (May 25 –author) reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight titleholder B.J. Penn won via KO over Sean Sherk in Las Vegas, USA (UFC 84). It was an epic fight among the two warriors but in the first round the match started slow and turned into a boxing match with two fighters calculating each other’s moves and were content with exchanging blows. The match eventually picked up and in the last round BJ Penn caught Sherk with a combo forcing the latter to back down and bounced off the octagon. Then Penn delivered a cracking knee to Sherk knocking the latter down. The Hawaiian unleashed a flurry of punches to the defenseless Sherk. BJ Penn won via TKO as Sherk was unable to continue by end of Round 3.

Other Notable Bouts

Silva vs. Jardine

Wanderlei Silva’s fast hands were too much for Matt Jardine as the Brazilian turned the American into a punching bag. Silva won via KO (through punches) 0:36 which mean 36 seconds after the match started the Axe Murderer destroyed Jardine! It deservedly won as the Fight of the Night.

Machida vs Ortiz

Lyoto Machida put up a smart fight against UFC legend Tito Ortiz defeating the latter via unanimous decision. It was just right I guess. Losers who fought Ortiz without thinking usually gets kayoed out of their senses – what’s wrong with sticking to game plan? Unfortunately, due to differences with Dana White, UFC President, Ortiz won’t be returning to the UFC.

Monday, June 2, 2008

There are few writers who can capture my attention, hold and retain it forever. Some like the late Max Soliven and Teddy Benigno were my idols.The problem I had with Benigno was I had to consult a dictionary after reading every sentence for he tended to use words I never even knew existed! While Max Soliven has historical anecdotes not found in most history books, I missed that.

Presently, these are the writers I admire. First, Dave Barry (“If you leave this website I will kill this defenseless toilet”) a humorist and his articles always crack me up. Personally, I wouldn’t call him one if he failed to amuse me (never happened)! He finds humor even in the most simple of things like calling a technology specialist or explaining the latest technology. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner and delivers commentary “from the international economy to exploding toilets”. Second, Bo Sanchez, his stories and the insights you will get from it are priceless. Bo’s write up is riveting and funny, and makes you want to read more. Lastly, Pastor Chuck Swindoll is another writer I greatly admire. He has the great ability to capture your attention and can hold it for thirty minutes a night (and even weeks esp. if the topic is about a great man in the Bible – like St. Paul). His use of dramatic language can stir one’s emotions (reminiscent of Martin Luther King). Pastor Swindoll’s biblical expositions are spellbinding and enriching. The Pastor always attaches an appropriate joke in his sermons – though funny the lessons are unmistakably clear. Despite writing it in the first place, he himself can’t help but crack up together with his audience – I just love that! His jokes are really funny and I want to share it but it is not available right now. He once said he loves humor. I love humor too but for the life of me I realize most of my posts are anything but funny (this was written on May 9, 2008 and I’m publishing it now). The every first blog posts that I ever made were funny (at least to me in my first blog not this one) along the way I somehow lost that attitude. I’m trying to recover the carefree writing style. I want to convey my personality accurately to my readers.

Boy, have you felt something like that before? Being mesmerized by someone through his speech or writing, it is akin to being in another world. I have and these three great persons are the masters of it. I like their writing style and at the moment I’m developing my own for I want my writing style to be first-rate representation of my self and not a second-hand version of somebody else’s. But I really want to emulate and hone is their ability to spellbound people with their writing. I think I haven’t reached that level yet.

I think it was John Cleese (Monty Python – never watched it - sick British humor. A BBC comedienne once said “What are you going to do with your dirty cutlery? Give it to the Filipino of course.” YEAH, YOUR QUEEN IS AN OLD HAG!) said he’d rather be a good comedian than a good lover. I prefer both 49% funny 51% lover. I’m a Filipino and we are passionate people! Need proof? The 2% population growth rate last year…take that! I’m doing myself a great service by writing funny stuff (at least to me). After all, life is too short to get pissed all the time. I’m doing my internal organs a favor too as anger is like slow suicide. (Addition- today: for example this upcoming election, a politician is happily doing the fandango while some political observers are getting pissed. Since the politician enjoyed what he is doing that’s a plus for him while the observers get minuses for straining their organs due to anger. If this happens when I’m around I’ll say – Go Manny! Go Manny! Try Superman by Soulja Boy it is a sure way to crack some bones…I mean appeal to youth vote! See? I’m such a nice guy.)

Humor is important as this is the thing that could keep my siblings interested in my blog. Right sibs? Please nod your heads. Thanks.

I have a classic article courtesy of Dave Barry - his own commencement address to class of 200? Enjoy!

This is your big day-the day when you jam four years' worth of unlaundered underwear into a Hefty bag and leave college, prepared by your professors to go out into the Real World. The first thing you'll notice is that your professors are not going out there with you. They're not stupid; that's why they're professors. They've figured out that college is a carefree place where the most serious real problem is finding a legal parking space. So your professors are going to stay in college until they die. Even then, they'll go right on teaching classes.

This is called ''tenure.'' But you, the members of the Class of 200?, have committed the grave tactical blunder of acquiring enough credits to graduate. So now you're leaving college and embarking upon the greatest adventure -- and the biggest challenge -- of your young lives: moving back in with your parents. For full article

Sunday, June 1, 2008

I just finished another Japanese dorama called Nobuta Wo Produce and all I can say is SPECTACULAR drama! I'll write my reviews later - a must watch drama. I'm still awed by it - wow.

I'm looking forward to the NBA Finals whichwill start on Thursday - my bad for the earlier mix up I WAS PRETTY EXCITED. Also the Euro 2008 Football Championship this month. Unfortunately, I also expect more brownouts this month - there is a power shortage in the Visayas. Just this morning, there was a long one. Tsk tsk tsk - I hate brownouts on weekend.